The effect of lordosis, disc height change, subsidence, and transitional segment on stand-alone anterior lumbar...

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated 37 consecutive patients who underwent stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF); for indications that included degenerative disc disease, concordant pain on discography, disc space collapse of more than 50%, and failure of nonoperative management for at least 4 consecutive months. Patient demographics, procedural data, and prospective Short Form 36 General Health Survey composite scores were collected. Mean follow-up was 24.2 months. In this cohort of patients with degenerative disc disease, there was no loosening or migration of implants. Stand-alone ALIF using a threaded interbody fusion device provided excellent clinical results and return-to-work rates with few complications. Increased lordosis was associated with increased subsidence and less favorable outcome. Patients with a transitional segment displayed relatively smaller increases in lordosis and better outcomes than patients without a transitional segment.